SWLA Veterans Day events

Veterans Day Events in SWLA
Published: Oct. 24, 2023 at 3:43 PM CDT|Updated: Nov. 10, 2023 at 12:27 PM CST

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA, La. (KPLC) - Veteran’s Day is on Saturday, Nov. 11, and there are plenty of events taking place in Southwest Louisiana honoring all those who served. Hosting an event? Please email news@kplctv.com to be added to this story.

ALLEN PARISH

Saturday, Nov. 4

  • Ninth Annual Community Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Grand Church, 205 First Ave. in Kinder. Attended by LDVA Benefits Southwest Regional Manager Kelsey Eckelberger. Free and open to the public.

BEAUREGARD PARISH

Sunday, Nov. 5

  • 24th Annual Veterans Day Celebration: East Beauregard High School football stadium, 5364 LA-113, DeRidder. Memorial service at 7 a.m., view displays from noon to 4 p.m., ceremony at 1:15 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 10

Saturday, Nov. 11

CALCASIEU PARISH

Saturday, Nov. 11

  • City of Lake Charles Veterans Day Program: Event to move indoors due to forecasted inclement weather
    • Ruck the Chuck 5K Walk/Run: Starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center (Event Center). This event will run rain or shine, as long as conditions are safe. Sign up is available HERE.
    • Veterans Breakfast: Free breakfast served inside the Lake Charles Event Center starting at 8:30 a.m. -10 a.m.
    • Veterans Day Ceremony: Program begins at 10 a.m. inside the Event Center Coliseum following breakfast, with guest speaker Lt. Col. Nicholas Baranello, Commander of the 115th Field Hospital at Fort Johnson. Pays special tribute to Desert Storm, Post 9/11, Global War on Terrorism and Enduring Freedom Veterans.
    • Veterans Day BBQ Festival: Lake Charles Civic Center from noon to 7 p.m. Features live music and barbeque from Paul’s Rib Shack. More information available HERE.
  • Veterans Yoga Project: 9 a.m. at Oak Crossing, 5656 Nelson Road. This free event is for the community to come together in support for Veterans and their families in striving for healthy, holistic habits for trauma sensitive care.
  • VFW Post 2130 Veterans Day Celebration: 6:30 p.m. at VFW Post 2130, 5676 Lake Street. Free to enter. Dinner and music provided, sponsored by Lyondellbasell.
  • Avenue of Flags Display: (UPDATE) The display has been canceled due to the threat of inclement weather. The next display is scheduled for Memorial Day 2024.
  • Art in the Park: (UPDATE) - This has been canceled due to the threat of inclement weather. The next installment will be held Decemer 2nd.

JEFF DAVIS PARISH

Thursday, Nov. 9

  • Veterans Day Program: Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home, 1610 Evangeline Road, Jennings. Parade at 9:30 a.m. followed by ceremony and cochon de lait. Col. EJ Vincent is a guest speaker.

Saturday, Nov. 11

  • Welsh Museum Reception: 9:30 a.m. at Welsh Museum. Reception to honor all Veterans.
  • CANCELLED: The Veterans Day Concert featuring Leroy Thomas has been cancelled due to the weather. In lieu of the event JFA and Leroy Thomas will be going to the Veterans Home to make a donation.

VERNON PARISH

Thursday, Nov. 9

  • Flag Placement: Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 3348 University Parkway, Leesville. The event begins at 4:30 p.m.

VETERANS DAY RESTAURANT DISCOUNTS

If your restaurant is offering a discount for veterans on Veterans Day, you can e-mail us at news@kplctv.com to add your business to the list.

Buffalo Wild Wings -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11 with valid ID. Only available for dine-in. Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations will be included for walk-in/order at the counter only.

Chili’s -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11 with proof of service. Available for in-restaurant only.

Cicis Pizza -- Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free Adult Buffet with a valid military ID for Veterans Day. The Veterans Day offer may be available at your local Cicis on November 10 or November 11. It’s valid for dine-in only and does not include a drink. Contact your local Cicis Pizza to learn more.

Denny’s -- Veterans and military personnel receive a free Original Gran Slam on November 10 from 5 a.m. (Store Open) to noon. Dine-in only. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Pulled Pork Sandwich on November 11. Valid in-store, and online/app for carryout.

Dunkin’ -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.

Golden Corral -- Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 13 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

IHOP -- Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants.

Little Caesars -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In-store only.

Logan’s Roadhouse -- Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free meal with a valid ID from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. This offer is available for dine-in only from 11 am – 3 pm.

O’Charley’s – O’Charley’s offers veterans and active-duty military a special free lunch menu on November 10 and 11. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, veterans can order one free entrée from the special menu and/or receive a free slice of pie at dinner. Both offers are for dine-in only.

Outback Steakhouse -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree in-restaurant on November 11.

Smoothie King -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free smoothie from one of three red, white, and blue smoothies at participating locations on November 11 with a valid ID.

Starbucks -- Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses who visit participating U.S. stores on November 11.

Texas Roadhouse -- At participating locations, active-duty military and veterans can dine in or receive a meal voucher on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a form of military ID. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out at a later time. The voucher is good until May 30, 2024. If you choose to dine in on November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, there will be a specific menu to select from.

Wendy’s -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on November 11 at participating locations during breakfast hours with valid ID.